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Zhi S, Chen C, Huang H, Zhang Z, Zeng F, Zhang S. Hypoxia-inducible factor in breast cancer: role and target for breast cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1370800. [PMID: 38799423 PMCID: PMC11116789 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1370800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, breast cancer stands as the most prevalent form of cancer among women. The tumor microenvironment of breast cancer often exhibits hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, a transcription factor, is found to be overexpressed and activated in breast cancer, playing a pivotal role in the anoxic microenvironment by mediating a series of reactions. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha is involved in regulating downstream pathways and target genes, which are crucial in hypoxic conditions, including glycolysis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. These processes significantly contribute to breast cancer progression by managing cancer-related activities linked to tumor invasion, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug resistance, resulting in poor prognosis for patients. Consequently, there is a significant interest in Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha as a potential target for cancer therapy. Presently, research on drugs targeting Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha is predominantly in the preclinical phase, highlighting the need for an in-depth understanding of HIF-1α and its regulatory pathway. It is anticipated that the future will see the introduction of effective HIF-1α inhibitors into clinical trials, offering new hope for breast cancer patients. Therefore, this review focuses on the structure and function of HIF-1α, its role in advancing breast cancer, and strategies to combat HIF-1α-dependent drug resistance, underlining its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fancai Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Sheva K, Roy Chowdhury S, Kravchenko-Balasha N, Meirovitz A. Molecular Changes in Breast Cancer Induced by Radiation Therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024:S0360-3016(24)00435-8. [PMID: 38508467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer treatments are based on prognostic clinicopathologic features that form the basis for therapeutic guidelines. Although the utilization of these guidelines has decreased breast cancer-associated mortality rates over the past three decades, they are not adequate for individualized therapy. Radiation therapy (RT) is the backbone of breast cancer treatment. Although a highly successful therapeutic modality clinically, from a biological perspective, preclinical studies have shown RT to have the potential to alter tumor cell phenotype, immunogenicity, and the surrounding microenvironment, potentially changing the behavior of cancer cells and resulting in a significant variation in RT response. This review presents the recent advances in revealing the complex molecular changes induced by RT in the treatment of breast cancer and highlights the complexities of translating this information into clinically relevant tools for improved prognostic insights and the revelation of novel approaches for optimizing RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS Current literature was reviewed with a focus on recent advances made in the elucidation of tumor-associated radiation-induced molecular changes across molecular, genetic, and proteomic bases. This review was structured with the aim of providing an up-to-date overview over the very broad and complex subject matter of radiation-induced molecular changes and radioresistance, familiarizing the reader with the broader issue at hand. RESULTS The subject of radiation-induced molecular changes in breast cancer has been broached from various physiological focal points including that of the immune system, immunogenicity and the abscopal effect, tumor hypoxia, breast cancer classification and subtyping, molecular heterogeneity, and molecular plasticity. It is becoming increasingly apparent that breast cancer clinical subtyping alone does not adequately account for variation in RT response or radioresistance. Multiple components of the tumor microenvironment and immune system, delivered RT dose and fractionation schedules, radiation-induced bystander effects, and intrinsic tumor physiology and heterogeneity all contribute to the resultant RT outcome. CONCLUSIONS Despite recent advances and improvements in anticancer therapies, tumor resistance remains a significant challenge. As new analytical techniques and technologies continue to provide crucial insight into the complex molecular mechanisms of breast cancer and its treatment responses, it is becoming more evident that personalized anticancer treatment regimens may be vital in overcoming radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Sheva
- The Legacy Heritage Oncology Center & Dr Larry Norton Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Faculty of Medicine, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
| | - Sangita Roy Chowdhury
- The Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nataly Kravchenko-Balasha
- The Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Amichay Meirovitz
- The Legacy Heritage Oncology Center & Dr Larry Norton Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Faculty of Medicine, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
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Zhong Y, Zeng W, Chen Y, Zhu X. The effect of lipid metabolism on cuproptosis-inducing cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116247. [PMID: 38330710 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis provides a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and is thought to have broad clinical application prospects. Nevertheless, some oncological clinical trials have yet to demonstrate favorable outcomes, highlighting the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying cuproptosis in tumors. Cuproptosis primarily hinges on the intracellular accumulation of copper, with lipid metabolism exerting a profound influence on its course. The interaction between copper metabolism and lipid metabolism is closely related to cuproptosis. Copper imbalance can affect mitochondrial respiration and lipid metabolism changes, while lipid accumulation can promote copper uptake and absorption, and inhibit cuproptosis induced by copper. Anomalies in lipid metabolism can disrupt copper homeostasis within cells, potentially triggering cuproptosis. The interaction between cuproptosis and lipid metabolism regulates the occurrence, development, metastasis, chemotherapy drug resistance, and tumor immunity of cancer. Cuproptosis is a promising new target for cancer treatment. However, the influence of lipid metabolism and other factors should be taken into consideration. This review provides a brief overview of the characteristics of the interaction between cuproptosis and lipid metabolism in cancer and analyses potential strategies of applying cuproptosis for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhong
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Yongbo Chen
- Rehabilitation College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiuzhi Zhu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China.
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Li D, Wang L, Jiang B, Jing Y, Li X. Improving cancer immunotherapy by preventing cancer stem cell and immune cell linking in the tumor microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116043. [PMID: 38128186 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are the key link between malignant tumor progression and drug resistance. This cell population has special properties that are different from those of conventional tumor cells, and the role of cancer stem cell-related exosomes in progression of tumor malignancy is becoming increasingly clear. Cancer stem cell-derived exosomes carry a variety of functional molecules involved in regulation of the microenvironment, especially with regard to immune cells, but how these exosomes exert their functions and the specific mechanisms need to be further clarified. Here, we summarize the role of cancer stem cell exosomes in regulating immune cells in detail, aiming to provide new insights for subsequent targeted drug development and clinical strategy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyu Li
- Department of General Surgery & VIP In-Patient Ward, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Yuchen Jing
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Province 110001, China.
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Kumar H, Gupta NV, Jain R, Madhunapantula SV, Babu CS, Kesharwani SS, Dey S, Jain V. A review of biological targets and therapeutic approaches in the management of triple-negative breast cancer. J Adv Res 2023; 54:271-292. [PMID: 36791960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous, aggressive phenotype of breast cancer with associated chemoresistance. The development of chemo- or radioresistance could be attributed to diverse tumor microenvironments, overexpression of membrane proteins (transporters), epigenetic changes, and alteration of the cell signaling pathways/genes associated with the development of cancer stem cells (CSCs). AIM OF REVIEW Due to the diverse and heterogeneous nature of TNBC, therapeutic response to the existing modalities offers limited scope and thus results in reccurance after therapy. To establish landmark therapeutic efficacy, a number of novel therapeutic modalities have been proposed. In addition, reversal of the resistance that developed during treatment may be altered by employing appropriate therapeutic modalities. This review aims to discuss the plethora of investigations carried out, which will help readers understand and make an appropriate choice of therapy directed toward complete elimination of TNBC. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This manuscript addresses the major contributory factors from the tumor microenvironment that are responsible for the development of chemoresistance and poor prognosis. The associated cellular events and molecular mechanism-based therapeutic interventions have been explained in detail. Inhibition of ABC transporters, cell signaling pathways associated with CSCs, and epigenetic modification offers promising results in this regard. TNBC progression, invasion, metastasis and recurrence can also be inhibited by blocking multiple cell signaling pathways, targeting specific receptors/epigenetic targets, disrupting bioenergetics and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - N Vishal Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - Rupshee Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - SubbaRao V Madhunapantula
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology & Regenerative Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - C Saravana Babu
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | | | - Surajit Dey
- Roseman University of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Henderson, NV, USA
| | - Vikas Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India.
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Xu L, Han F, Zhu L, Ding W, Zhang K, Kan C, Hou N, Li Q, Sun X. Advances in understanding the role and mechanisms of tumor stem cells in HER2-positive breast cancer treatment resistance (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 62:48. [PMID: 36866766 PMCID: PMC9990588 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15-20% of breast carcinomas exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) protein overexpression. HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive subtype with poor prognosis and high relapse risk. Although several anti-HER2 drugs have achieved substantial efficacy, certain patients with HER2-positive BC relapse due to drug resistance after a treatment period. There is increasing evidence that BC stem cells (BCSCs) drive therapeutic resistance and a high rate of BC recurrence. BCSCs may regulate cellular self-renewal and differentiation, as well as invasive metastasis and treatment resistance. Efforts to target BCSCs may yield new methods to improve patient outcomes. In the present review, the roles of BCSCs in the occurrence, development and management of BC treatment resistance were summarized; BCSC-targeted strategies for the treatment of HER2-positive BC were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfei Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Wenli Ding
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Chengxia Kan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Ningning Hou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Qinying Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
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The Role of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Isoforms in Breast Cancer and Perspectives on Their Inhibition in Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184518. [PMID: 36139678 PMCID: PMC9496909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In many types of cancers, the activity of the hypoxia-inducible factors enhances hallmarks such as suppression of the immune response, altered metabolism, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and more. As a result of observing these features, HIFs became attractive targets in designing anticancer therapy. The lack of effective breast treatment based on HIFs inhibitors and the elusive role of those factors in this type of cancer raises the concern wheter targeting hypoxia-inducible factors is the right path. Results of the study on breast cancer cell lines suggest the need to consider aspects like HIF-1α versus HIF-2α isoforms inhibition, double versus singular isoform inhibition, different hormone receptors status, metastases, and perhaps different not yet investigated issues. In other words, targeting hypoxia-inducible factors in breast cancers should be preceded by a better understanding of their role in this type of cancer. The aim of this paper is to review the role, functions, and perspectives on hypoxia-inducible factors inhibition in breast cancer. Abstract Hypoxia is a common feature associated with many types of cancer. The activity of the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), the critical element of response and adaptation to hypoxia, enhances cancer hallmarks such as suppression of the immune response, altered metabolism, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and more. The HIF-1α and HIF-2α isoforms show similar regulation characteristics, although they are active in different types of hypoxia and can show different or even opposite effects. Breast cancers present several unique ways of non-canonical hypoxia-inducible factors activity induction, not limited to the hypoxia itself. This review summarizes different effects of HIFs activation in breast cancer, where areas such as metabolism, evasion of the immune response, cell survival and death, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, cancer stem cells, and hormone receptors status have been covered. The differences between HIF-1α and HIF-2α activity and their impacts are given special attention. The paper also discusses perspectives on using hypoxia-inducible factors as targets in anticancer therapy, given current knowledge acquired in molecular studies.
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Tao W, Wang S, Xu A, Xue Y, Wang H, Xu H. 18F-FDG Micro PET/CT imaging to evaluate the effect of BRCA1 knockdown on MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell radiosensitivity. Transl Oncol 2022; 25:101517. [PMID: 35985202 PMCID: PMC9411683 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BRCA1 gene knockdown improves the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. BRCA1 gene knockdown combination with radiotherapy downregulates multiple biomarkers of poor prognosis. 18F-FDG Micro PET/CT imaging was able to evaluate the radiosensitizing effect of the BRCA1 gene in vitro experiment.
Objective Radioresistance of tumor cells is a major factor associated with failure of radiotherapy (RT). This study aimed to investigate the effect of BRCA1 knockdown on MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell radiosensitivity. Materials and methods Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to knockdown BRCA1 gene in MDA-MB231 cells. Cell viability and proliferative capacity were assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays, respectively. We established xenograft models in nude mice to evaluate tumor volume and tumor weight. The mice were imaged by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) before and after RT to evaluate changes in maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and tumor SUVmax/muscle SUVmax (TMR). Changes in HIF-1α, Glut-1 and Ki-67 were analyzed and the correlation between 18F-FDG uptake and tumor biology was analyzed. Results Compared with the control cells, RT significantly reduced cell viability and colony formation capacity in cells with the BRCA1 gene knockdown. In vivo assays showed that there was obvious delay in the tumor growth in the shBRCA1+RT group compared with the control group. 18F-FDG Micro PET/CT indicated a reduction in glucose metabolism in the shBRCA1+RT group, with statistically significant differences in both the SUVmax and TMR. The data showed the expression of HIF-1α, Glut-1 and Ki-67 was downregulated in the shBRCA1+RT group, and both SUVmax and TMR had significant correlation with tumor biology. Conclusion These results demonstrated that BRCA1 knockdown improves the sensitivity of MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells to RT. In addition, 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging allows non-invasive analysis of tumor biology and assessment of radiosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Tao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Alei Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yangyang Xue
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Huiqin Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China.
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